Winona Ryder is Amanda Grayson November 8, 2007
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: ST09 Cast , trackback
Last week TrekMovie.com revealed that Spock’s parents will be appearing in the new Star Trek movie. And now Variety is reporting that Winona Ryder has landed the part of Spock’s human mother Amanda Grayson, a role originally played by the late Jane Wyatt. The Oscar-nominated veteran of dozens of films may be the best known member of the Star Trek cast so far. At 36, Ryder is only six years older than Zachary Quinto who plays Spock. It is possible that Ryder (and perhaps the actor playing Spock’s father Sarek) will be seen in some sort of flashback to Spock’s childhood or adolescence.
Ryder made her film debut in the 1986 comedy Lucas. Although she gained recognition for her role in Tim Burton’s Beetle Juice, her breakthrough came with her starring role in the 1988 black comedy Heathers, opposite Christian Slater (who appeared as a comm officer in Star Trek VI). She went on to receive Academy Award nominations for her roles in Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence and the 1994 adaptation of Little Women. She has also starred in such movies as Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, Francis Ford Coppola’s rendition of Dracula, Ben Stiller’s Reality Bites, and many other major motion pictures. Star Trek will not be Ryder’s first foray into science fiction. Besides the aforementioned Tim Burton films (which have a bit of sci-fi in them), Ryder also starred in Alien: Resurrection,along with Ron Perlman (ST:NEM: Reman Viceroy). More recently, Ryder starred with Keanu Reeves in Richard Linklater’s adaptation of Phillip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly.
The character of Spock’s mother Amanda first appeared in the Original Series episode “Journey to Babel.” Amanda later appeared (voiced by Majel Barrett) in the Animated Series episode “Yesteryear” which is the only TAS episode to be considered canon. That episode deals with an adult Spock going back in time to assist his childhood self. Wyatt reprised the role in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, where she helped the newly resurrected Spock get in touch with his human side. The last appearance was a brief flashback showing the birth of Spock in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (played by Cynthia Blaise). More on Amanda Grayson at Memory Alpha.
Wyatt and Ryder…the original and new Amanda Graysons
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Like I said, we now have someone on the inside who can sneek us some behind the scenes goodies.
In terms of looks, I can see it. However, in terms of acting ability I can’t. But, they’ve been spot-on so far. Lets see
Oh God give me a break. They may as well have hired a wooden plank to play her.
sorry for short article…submitted via iPhone. Will update in a couple of hours
I like Winona Ryder, but she’s only 36!! How old is the young Spock supposed to be in this movie anyway??
Hey, with Ryder on the set, they better make sure none of the props go missing and end up for sale on ebay!!
milf!
WOW. Now THAT’S cool. Hopefully they’ll use her ONLY in flashbacks to when Spock was just a wee lad (a la “Yesteryear”), since aging her to look more like Jane Wyatt in “Journey to Babel” is asking for trouble.
I’ve always liked Winona Ryder, even when she tosses a wonky accent at us from time-to-time (see BRAM STROKER’S DRACULA).
Knowing Abrams’ penchant for using flashbacks, I’m really hoping we get some GREAT insight into the (much) younger days of Kirk and Spock, even if they’re only tantalizing glimpses spread throughout the new film.
The news is coming fast and furious, and is it too early to state that this is shaping up to be the GREATEST CAST OF ACTORS EVER ASSEMBLED FOR A “STAR TREK” FILM??? Only time will tell… CAN’T WAIT FOR ‘08!!!
Info rolling in now!
That’s what I was getting at, Harry. You said it better.
WEDNESDAY ADDAMS???!!!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
She’s, what, 17?
WEDNESDAY ADDAMS???!!!!!! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
She’s, what, 17?
Wait, Wednesday was Christina Ricci. Winona was BeetleJuice’s Friend.
Nevermind.
(Still think she’s only 17 or 18, though. )
Sorry about the double post. Last half was accidentally cut off somehow and I didn’t catch it until it appeared..
#10
17?
Try 36.
Hey, I just read that Jennifer Morrison (from House) is in the Trek movie! Maybe that’s why she died her hair blonde for this season of House……she’s playing Rand!!!
Not a bad choice……I like her as an actress!
Ms Lydia Deets is is a Vulcan! Didn’t see this one coming!
Name your source, Harry. You scoopster, you.
Links!!!
Name your source, Harry. You scoopster, you.
Links!!
A bunch of you were asking for “names” in the cast. Be careful what you wish for. :)
This is the death of Star Trek!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m boycotting this film!!!
Just kidding.
I’m not sure about her being Amanda Grayson, if the report is true, but if she’s shown in a flashback, there’s a decent chance Winona will do a good job.
now this choice I can agree with:)
I read about Morrison on Aintitcool.com, which I know is about as reliable a source as asking Britney Spears for fashion tips, but hey….it’s an interesting rumour!!
I’m sure with Winona Ryder’s acting ability, she’ll “steal” every scene she’s in!!
Okay I wasn’t going to say anything until someone else mentioned it but in one of those pics I totally think it’s Jennifer Morrison from House…it totally looks like her hold on, I’ll link:
http://www.jfxonline.com/jfxonline/2007/11/08/on-set-im-an-extra-jim-not-a-cult-member/jj-abrams-star-trek-begins-production-5/
#22 - It could be worse: JJ could replace her with Sofia Coppola at the last minute. I swear, Sofia’s performance in [i]The Godfather Part III[/i] made Lois Chiles’ Dr. Goodhead in [i]Moonraker[/i] seem perky and animated by comparison. :)
Actually, I do agree with others that Ms. Rider could very well pull it off in flashback scenes (I do think she’s underrated as an actress), but I’m not convinced that making her up to be closer to Jane Wyatt’s “Amok Time” age will work. But, like everything else, We Shall See(tm).
(Oops, got the formatting wrong. My bad!)
Wow, that one came outta left field
#21 - The webiste that has all the spy photos has one of a girl that looks alot like Jennifer Morrison.
23 - nevermind, I need to read other post before I post. stupid me
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hide the valuables!
So, have they signed Joaquin yet as Sarek??
Yeah, I’m with the other poster: MILF! :)
Didn’t see this one coming…
Not impressed with this casting decision on first impressions, but will reserve judgement for what may just be a minor role overall.
Wow, this is one interesting cast Abrams has come up with!
You can DEFINITELY sense him trying to appeal to a younger crowd with this movie. I think he realized most people weren’t getting drawn in by stuffy older dudes like Warner, McDowell, and Abraham. If you want to revitilize Trek and bring in a larger audience, you need some cooler and hipper actors like Bana, Cho, and Pegg.
It’s not about them being “big” names– just cool, familiar faces that people enjoy seeing on screen, and wouldn’t expect to see in a Star Trek movie.
Frankly I think it’s a BRILLIANT idea. People are really going to take notice of this movie next year.
For some reason I find this casting very exciting, I don’t why but I do. I really excited to see who they cast has Sarek. To be that is a role almost has hard to cast has the main cast. I know for me I will always think of Mark Lenard has Sarek. His voice was a major reason for it. When he spoke you listened to what he was saying. I would love to see Hugo Weaving play him.
It is Jennifer Morrison. Possibly Rand??? But, it is her.
Morrison as Rand would be grand
There’s no better choice in the land
With her you get class
And a nice piece of ___
With her you can strike up the band!
Nice one Harry!:)
Wow this is totally cool!
Dang!
I was so hoping that there wouldn’t be any stick figures with balloon boobs in this movie. Great. Now we’ve got to deal with Wynona Rider at conventions for the next 40 years. She looks like a moth.
And is that that anorexic bobble head from House? All those anorexic bobble heads look alike to me. Say it aint so.
J.J., please. Remember “Lost” and “Alias”? Find us another Evangeline Lilly or Jen Garner. You’re really good at that.
38
lol, I think you need your eyes checked. Morrison is thin and fit, yeah, but she’s not one of those bony freaks you’re thinking of.
And Lilly is probably the exact same size as her!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS I love Winona and never would have thought of her in this role though, but I am very happy about this.
[…] Link! […]
She’s pretty young to play Amanda. Seemingly way too young.
She’s too young to play adult Spock’s mom, so I’m guessing there will be a flashback to Spock’s childhood, “Yesteryear” era.
42
Chances are, because this is “Spock’s story,” Abrams needed a younger actress for flashback scenes of Spock as a boy or teenager. Then he can simply age her for the later flashbacks.
Winona is 36 now, so with the right makeup she could probably be made to look much older.
Oops, looks like Max beat me to it. :)
This is the first casting decision that has made me say “What The Frell?”
While I am a fan of Ms. Ryder, I can not imagine what would attract Sarek to her. Was he stuck in room with her during Pon Far, with no other options?
She’ll have to have more range as an actor than I have ever seen her display before to pull this one off.
Wow, wait ’til it’s announced that Bronson Pinchot is playing Sarek.
Whoops…
#46 SolFlyer — remember what Sarek said about marrying her: “At the time, it seemed the logical thing to do.” ;)
His Mother could be 108 years old and still look 36 (Vulcans live about 200 years right?)
Sorry if someone else already mentioned this - dont have time to read through all the posts. Work and all
#49 , his mother is human , ( but humans in the future do live longer , and look younger )
@49: correct!
i think that’s even more a mistake in the old movies, Spock’s parents look almost to old in there, I think.
#49 theres a clue in the non-pointy ears. ;)
@50: ups, you’re right. shame on me!
If she’s in this movie, I’ll watch it even if it’s just her and a monkey driving the ship for two hours.
I always thought Winona Ryder would’ve made a good Vulcan. But she’s Spock’s mother that’s great too.
Oh and I’ve been a Noni fan for many years now as is.
-cs™
Hmm…I never thought that I would be having hot thoughts about Spock’s mom. I may need therapy after this.
Well I think she’s got Amanda’s look, and that’s enough for me….
On comingsoon.net and some other sites is said that “JJ Abrams have set Winona Ryder to play the Vulcan mother of a young Spock”.
Vulcan mother?
An error or something we don’t know?
Fab! I always liked Winona Ryder (particularly in Heathers!)
Great to see her in a Trek movie!!
It crossed my mind, With Ryder in the cast, maybe this film is:
“ST11: Mr. Spock…. THIS IS YOUR LIFE!”
think about it,
* Nichols as Leila, the love interest,
* A young mother [Ryder] on a distant world with a kid that isn’t fitting in,
* His first duty with Pike [Greenwod],
* His 5-year-mission [tos crew]
* Nemoy [as old Spock] thinking back at the end of his life and getting choked up ,
What could be reel cool is the excessive emotion of the child Spock set against the explosive emotion from a Spock at the end of his life, remember the old Sarak in TNG? Those vulcans get wild at the end…
Anyway, Split the timeline to tell the story of the life of Spock, toss in some of the W-The-F of LOST, and you just might have a Trek that brings in the new and excites the old….
[sorry about the post to the older thread]
#60 — Hey, frankly, I wouldn’t mind seeing a full-on “Citizen Spock.” But I doubt they’ll go that far.
This is certainly a new development that I didn’t expect. This film has to have a phenomenal screenplay or this has nothing to offer anyone.
OMG, Greg Grunberg won’t be Sarek will he?
Babe Bennett as Amanda. Is Adam Sandler going to be Sarek?
“The Vulcan’s mom has got it going on…”
This is quite a shock. I don’t know if she is appropriate for the part though. Does she have the gravitase needed? Naybe? Likes everything else I will reserve judgement until the movie is seen
Wow. NOW they have someone REALLY well-known. Seems they are really going the route of filling up the smaller roles with A-listers…
FREE WINONA….from an inappropriate role!
:-)
I can’t stop laughing. I mean, I’m sure she’d be great for the part, but Winona Ryder as Spock’s mom is really funny to me. She still seems like a little girl, not a wife, let alone a mother, really let alone a mother to Spock!
assuming a “name” actor will play Sarek, I think we’ll be spending a lot of time in Spok’s early years, I’m not sure I like that.
Interesting casting and maybe a little distracting too. I hope it works.
Is there anyone else from Heathers that we can cast in Trek as well? ;)
great casting. Probably the best since Quinto
Ok so will she blow something up, poisn sarek? or five finger discount the props?. With the actor playing Sulu being the originator of MILF, now spock’s Mom is a MILF. any connection ??? *LOL* intersting choice. better than the guy thathey chose for PIKe, he must be the post accident Pike.
63
…stop…don’t even joke like that…. :I
I think it’s going to be “fascinating” seeing the back story of the characters as we have never seen them before.
Cool. This is as close to an “A-lister” as they’ve gotten. :lol:
I hope the property master has security tags on all of the set decorations and wardrobe.
How about Christian Slater as Kirk’s father in a flashback when Jim is a child?
Odd casting to my mind, seems more like throwing a bone to a friend… throwing some work Winona’s way. *shrugs* We’ll see… :-)
Sarek should now be played by Slater or her costar from bettle juice.
but I think it should be Peter Graves
Don’t Vulcans age more slowly than we pathetic weakling humans? Maybe that comes into play.
Never would have thought of Ryder, but let’s wait and see. Let’s not forget Michael Keaton’s “Batman” casting. Fans initially spazzed, but they were proven wrong.
Also I’m getting tired of people threatening to “boycott” this movie. Yeesh. Boycott something meaningful instead. Dependence on foreign oil, maybe.
As long as she can play Amanda gracefully yet convey the strength and graciousness presviously established for that character, we’ll be alright.
In other words, PLEASE, no screaming, troubled new age modern mother, full of angst and tormented internally by her marriage.
There’s enough of that to digest in the real world, please leave it out of Star Trek.
Wow, this comes completely out of left field. I would never have thought in a million years Winona Ryder would be in a Star Trek movie, and playing Spock’s mother no less!!!
I am also 36 and in the 80’s I absolutely thought she was smokin’ hot in Heathers and really liked her in that movie. As did all my friends.
I like it!
This is one for the new target group - they will be more familiar with young Spock’s mommy than with young Spock and at least half of the audience will get the feeling that mommy’s hotter than Spocky baby. Very convincing choice, Mr. Abrams. My faith in this re-imagination or whatever they call it just now is thriving minute by minute.
So, who’s going to play I’Chaya?
>;>}
81. Trek Nerd Central - November 9, 2007
“Don’t Vulcans age more slowly than we pathetic weakling humans? Maybe that comes into play. ”
Yes thats true they do age more slowly than humans but Amanda Grayson was a human! I hope they dont get that wrong in the film because then it really would be a reboot.
Good choice for a younger version of Spock mum though. Maybe they will only show her in flash backs, when Spock was a boy as others on here have suggested.
84 - Awww, we still upset that poor wittle Billy isn’t in the movie?
On another note, I think this casting could work, and so far I like who’s been selected for the movie. Even though the Simon Pegg one is still off center to me, he is approaching it as a tribute to James Doohan, so that makes up some ground to me.
I wonder how the sequencing of the shooting is to go, since Greenwood was cast a couple days ago as Pike, and interiors are supposed to start next week.
Maybe these folks were in prep mode while contracts were being hammered out.
Someone like Winona Ryder or Bruce Greenwood I wish the most of luck to, since there is so little source material to choose from.
I can’t imagine Spock’s mother being Vulcan in the movie. That would be a major violation of Spock’s character simply because his human half was a major part of how he evolved as a character on Star Trek!!
She will be human.
maybe a kind of stepmom?
or we learn something we don’t know yet.
or it’s a deficient information.
Could this be Morrison as Yeoman Rand?
http://uploader.ws/upload/200505/Tux31_313_Jennifer_Morrison.jpg
The simplest answer is usually the correct one:
Despite what some people would like to purport on this site, most of the mainstream is largely ignorant of Star Trek, and the writer of the article got the details mixed up.
Hmm. Apparently that link will only work if you paste it in your browser address. Clicking the link in this discussion gets an ‘Un-authorized referrer’.
Just paste the http://uploader.ws/upload/200505/Tux31_313_Jennifer_Morrison.jpg url into the browser address and see what she looks like in mini-skirt.
Winona is the most talented actress of her generation + I have had a crush on her since I saw her in Heathers, so I’m VERY happy with this casting.
And she was in two Tim Burton movies.
We did someone like Sigourney Weaver to play Number One with Captain Pike.
#92/94 Or just add a ? after the .jpg to make .jpg?
Fascinating choice. It must have been the logical thing to do, as she already knows how to travel around space… she’s been to Betelgeuse, after all. (heh) Of course, that dangerous incident at planet Sax V…
Funny thing is in treklitcanon, Kirk’s mother’s name is Winona.
91
Spock is half-Vulcan/half-Human So I don’t see that changing at all
Huge Weaving would be a great Vulcan ( Sarek). His voice, I would love to hear him speak like a Vulcan. Huge Weaving could even a Romulan.
[…] :November 9: Spock’s Mother Has Been Cast And it seems to be Winona Ryder. The same way I can’t seen Simon Pegg as “Scotty”, I just can’t see her as anything in the Star Trek universe. She doesn’t fit. A bad choice in my opinion. […]
I can’t believe how many people think that Spock’s mom is a Vulcan.. If you’re gonna jump on the bandwagon at least go back and watch the show.. sheesh..
As for Ms. Ryder — We’re probably talking about 2 mins of movie OR LESS. I’m glad they’re making this a sweeping saga. I don’t know if I want so much back story in II and III. But, to re-boot the franchise, it’s great to have scope. We’re all gonna need to watch this thing three times before we get all of it. SWEET!
99 - Gary
Sure. Hugo Weaving could wear his Elrond elf ears from LOTR.
First thing I said when when I saw the Headline of this article was “WOW.” I am intrigued….. must be a juicy part for Winona to have taken it, or she’s a trekkie who just wants to be in the movie, or she’s a Friend Of JJ (FOJJ) doing a favor. Anyway, I see this as a definite positive casting move.
Perhaps were being misled through disinformation and she is Number One and Nicols is Marcus or Rand.
I hope they get a good Sarek.
I also think Matt ceker should be in the movie.
Pehaps we are going to see the incident where Pike gets disabled , he was trying to save cadets from tthe Plasma fire after all ( maybe tsome ofthose cadets became the bridge crew of the Enterprise ( that was never flushed out ( as far as I know.
See? Shoplifting DOES pay off!
Watch out, JJ: She might swipe some of those costumes and props! :P
Besides robbing the Spock character of half his coolness if both his parents are Vulcan, I doubt someone named “Amanda Grayson” will be a Vulcan. Spock’s mom will be human. Everybody breathe.
I don’t get a motherly vibe off Winona Ryder, as I always did from Jane Wyatt (even when she was a young thing in 1937’s great “Lost Horizon.”), but I’ve had a bit of a crush on the onscreen Winona since “Edward Scissorhands,” so it’s all good.
Scott B. out.
#81. Oh, of course. Duh. D’Oh. Whatever. My apologies. Still on my second cup of coffee.
She’s a VILF
Stick Joaquin Phoenix next to her as Sarek……and you’ll have all the star power you need right there ;)
Wow thats amazing. She is one of the best actresses ever. And she is definitly my favorite.
And her nose looks exactly the same
Cool!
Better count the props before she leaves the set every night.
Nice casting !!!!! Now Scotty lock down those spare dilthium crystals!!!
Joaquin Phoenix is too short, he’s 5′8″ - that’s too big of a height difference between him and Nimoy or Quinto. He’d have to stand on a box to look them in the eye.
#22 I’m sure with Winona Ryder’s acting ability, she’ll “steal” every scene she’s in!!
HA
“He’d have to stand on a box to look them in the eye.”
hey, #114 - Tom Cruise does it all the time. I rode an elevator with him once and he is a shrimp!
#89
Of course, I am. I never denied it and I never will. I wonder, though, why you mentioned that just now.
#109
I think Joaquin, and Winona make the perfect chemistry. Just put him in elevator shoes. God, I can see it. It’s perfect
#112 Good one!
Personally, I’m a big fan of hers– and coincidentally, my wife looks like her! (Or actually used to, that is, back before Winona had plastic surgery.)
Just a tidbit.
“Better count the props before she leaves the set every night.”
*L* Cruel, but funny.
I’ve always quite liked Ryder’s work in the past, but this is definitely the first WTF? casting reaction I’ve had. She’s got the looks and talent, but there’s nothing of a motherly vibe at all about her, in a role that’s heretofore been mostly definied as being another character’s mother. Maybe this film will change that, as I doubt very much that Winona Ryder would be signing on just to speak a few lines of dialogue and collect a check.
As they say, fascinating.
To break the ice on the set they should hide her stuff ,making like someone stole it.That way everyone would have a great big laugh and there would be no akward feelings about leaving stuff around.
Spock’s childhood friend to Spock: “Wow, your mom is totally hot!”
Young Spock raises one eyebrow: “She lives on Vulcan.”
Ryder as Amanda is cool but Morrison is the more intriguing casting in my opinion.
Morrison WHO? Mark my words - Ryder is the ONLY cast member with any international name recognition so far. Good for them ;)
Ryder will make an excellent vulcan, and she does look a lot like a young Amanda in that photo above.
As for Morrison, never seen her in anything but she does have a Janice Rand body.
#114, #116.
Film history is full of proud box-standers. Alan Ladd was 5′2″ by some reports and still a charismatic lead.
Oh for crying out loud! Spocks mum is not Vulcan! I must be in a bad mood this morning - loosing patience - time to go do something else.
I’m not concerned about STAR Power…There has been some good casting…including Ryder…but lets face it the star of this movie is …STAR TREK….
#126: I’m not dissing box-standers. (I am 3″ taller than my husband. And, well, what he lacks in vertical height, he more than makes up for, well, somewhere else. Know what I mean?)
I’m just used to seeing a Spock and Sarek who are close to the same height - looking each other straight in the eye.
#129 TOO MUCH INFO….
At 36 years old, Ryder is almost the perfect age to play Amanda during the time Spock goes off to Starfleet.
Jane Wyatt was 56 in ‘Journey to Babel’. In that episode, it was implied that Spock joined Starfleet 18 years earlier. That would make Amanda 38 years old when Spock decides to join Starfleet.
#129. Yup, I get what you’re saying. And I’m just saying, stick Sarek on a box.
But whatever. Short or tall, Phoenix or no Phoenix, I’m sure JJ will hire somebody decent.
# 130 I mean he is caring, responsible, hard working, good dad, etc. What did you think I meant?
#131
That would also mean that she was about 17 or 18 at the time of Spock’s birth, wouldn’t it?
That Sarek was a cradle robber!
#133. And he grills a mean barbecued chicken, right?
Derek, You really don’t need to answer my question.
#136. Beware rhetorical questions.
JBS—I was just messin witch ya!…LOL
# 135 Yeah, he grills my chicken. OK, I’ll stop now.
#134:
Well, if Spock was 18 when he went to Starfleet, and his Mother is 38, then Sarek and Amanda were “schtupping” when she was 19 or 20.
And could we please just knock off the juvenile shoplifting jokes already? For one thing, it’s in the past and should be left there; it has no bearing on her abilities (or lack thereof) as an actress, which is what we should be discussing (as some of you are, indeed, trying valiantly to do). For another, the joke was only funny the first few times around; it’s a lot older now, and it ain’t gettin’ any fresher with age. ;)
JBS—glad to know that your hubby will Live LONG and…..Prosper!
How can anybody geeky enough to be on this site and not be observant enough to actually think Spock’s mom is Vulcan?
Where’s the “PURGE” button to rid us of these impure minds?
They are not one with Landru…
Jennifer Morrison isn’t playing Rand — she Kirk’s mother.
I assume all those people who think that Spock’s mum is Vulcan must have missed over the last 40 years what’s so special about Spock. I mean, what did they think when watching TOS and coming across references as to Spock’s inner conflict, terms like “halfbreed”, jokes on his human half taking over or something like that, and his most poignant moments when fighting to regain control of his emotions. Maybe those people always happened to be in the kitchen getting nibbles.
Winona Ryder is cool. I laughed at this because it’s so unexpected. But I’m sure this movie is going to have all sorts of little scenes that could pop up in any kind of movie (not just a Trek movie) to appeal to a mass audience.
Wait just one fool second. Is the point all ya’all been tryin’ to get at is that Spock’s mama wasn’t one a them there Vulcains? Shorely ya’ caint be sayin’ she was a human, was ya’?
This gets me thinking…. What would a vulcan love scene look like? all PanFar or Logical?
#143
“They are not of the body…..they must be….excised.”
“It saddens us. You must be…..absorbed. For the good of the body:”
#79 “Odd casting to my mind, seems more like throwing a bone to a friend…”
Yes, I’m sure that had a lot to do with the casting process!! :)
I can’t believe it took 115 comments to read the first shoplifting joke about WR.
Gary, the very first comment I made, #1 at the top, was an admittedly lame effort at a Winona shoplifting joke.
This is why the yutzes who proclaim “first” should get a bit less excited about their feat.
Nobody ever pays attention to the first comment.
Winona Rider is a bit odd of a casting, unless she’s a closet Trek fan. Quite a score for J.J. for what many assume is not a big part.
Not a bad call. And an A-lister (at one time, at least). You know who might make a good Sarek? Liev Schreiber. He’s freaky-looking enough to be an alien, has that same kind of just-below-the-surface ferocity that Mark Lenard had. He’s 40 years old so he’d be a good pair w/Wynonna’s 36 years and he has that awesome Gregory Peck voice. Total “no” on Hugo Weaving. I’d be thinking Elrond through the whole thing.
Liev Schreiber, uhh maybe. But now I’m spoiled now; with two unexpected but just-may-work casting choices in Greenwood and Ryder, I want more!
John Glover as Dr. Phillip Boyce!
I’ve had trouble thinking of someone who could play Sarek; Liev Schreiber is the only person I can imagine (at the moment) filling Mark Lenard’s shoes.
Luke and Andy, I love those “Return of the Archons” (is that the right episode?) quotes. Kudos to you.
Yes, the shop lifting jokes are old. ho hum.
Harry, you never fail to make me laugh, you bad boy.
LOVE Winona, incredible actress. The casting, with Greenwood too, for this film is just exciting. Remember when Trek cast exciting actors?
Hope that young Kirk manages among all these experienced thespians in what is clearly a major motion picture! Wow… when was the last time trek seemed like a class act? This is all good. I feel like a warm tribble.
156
Good call on Schreiber….
This site has the biggest bunch of idiots and negative posters I have seen in a long time. You all whine and whine and then will show up on opening night with your pointed ears and phasers and uniforms. Ryder is a very beautiful, talented, accaimed actress with more life experiance under her belt at 36 than most of you sad little 50 year olds here.
Liev Schreiber is in the right height range, and he looks very similar to Mark Lenard. I have not seen him in anything - what’s his voice like? (look at me - as if my opinion matters. haha)
Quote credited to Liev Schreiber on IMBD.com:
“It’s not easy being 6′ 3″ and being called ‘Huggy’.” - on the nickname he’s had since childhood - This probably accounts for some of that “just-below-the-surface ferocity.”
hear! hear!
#160 You hurt my feelings. sniff, sniff.
Mr. Shame
I agree with the sentiment, however your post is flaming. so warning for flaming and all that
I say Shia LeBeouf as Sarek!
;-)
160
YOU ALL? Really..? ALL of us have been complaining? ALL of us? no…in fact many are complimentary of the casting… is it tedious to hear the complaining over the casting of someone who hasn’t been seen in the part..yeah…but be careful not to lump everyone together and pronounce judgement….and not all of us go with phasers and pointy ears in tow…the costume….maybe…….
161
he has a strong baritone voice. it can have a lot of authority in it..
#156 re: Schreiber
Huh. Interesting idea. The looks aren’t a match for Sarek (but then, whose really are?), but he’s the first suggestion I’ve heard that really made me pause, and think — yeah, he could pull off Sarek’s authority, poise, and — particularly — voice.
Huh.
#160 To quote the Shat…. well, you know…
Winona will be lovely. I see many people agreeing with this and complimenting her.
So she had some problems. We all do. I’m suicidal and considering killing myself right now. Perhaps shoplifting isn’t so bad in comparison.
#157
Yes. I’ve long thought taht Return of the Archons was the episode where it all came together. Lighting, story, acting, set design. The actors all have their characters down. It’s the first episode that really feels like it’s all there for me. And Landru…..what a great character.
As far as Liev Schreiber for Sarek…that is a good idea. He has a great presence and great delivery. I really wonder how much he’s made on his voice over career. He seems to be all over everything HBO does and some high end car commercial too. Good voice. No trace of a regional dialect. He’d be good.
David, Let Me Help.
Any way, Shamey_Old_Boy, head on over to AICN for a good ole dose of positivism.
It has been mentioned before, and I hadn’t really given it much thought. But what do you all think of Joaquin Phoenix as Sarek? Too distracting? Tall enough? He does have a sort of Mark Lenard look about him (granted, I am mentally putting the hairstyle he had from “Gladiator” on him). And in my opinion he has acting chops.
Way back to comment #3:
How do you compare an accomplished actress such as Ryder — who starred in several quality films, has 2 Oscar nominations, and is widely acclaimed by most critics to be a fine actress — to a wood plank.
I wish people would please stop the knee jerk reaction of “actor ‘X’ is young(ish) and good looking, thus he/she cannot possibly be a quality actor.”
We’ve gotten this reaction from some poster or another for just about every casting decision that has been made for this film so far.
David - You have friends here !!
Life can be… difficult … but … Life is so…Wonderous..as well!!! We are… each of us… so beautifully.. unique.. but each also part of something.. more amazing… more awe inspiring… We… are Humanity!!! We fight… and hate… and destroy… but we also create …and. achieve… and.inspire…and …love!!! We …dream… and we as humanity are capable… of compassion… and absolution.. of magnificence!! and looking up at the heavens and thinking of a better future!!!
You can dream David, we can always dream. And there will be a more wonderful tomorrow!!
If you need a friend e-mail Anthony for my personal e-mail and we’ll talk.
#169
Yeah,…just read this one. Don’t do it. She’s not worth it or what ever the problem is. Trust me. It’ll get better. We all have those times. Like Billy Joel said, “Don’t forget your second wind.”
For the record, I never really thought Spock’s mom was Vulcan. ‘Twas a brain fart, no more.
Schreiber is a cool idea. Fantastic voice.
Wonder if she’ll do her ping pong ball trick.
Heh, seriously, I like her. Although I love Miss Jane Wyatt much more. We’ll see…
Oh, and re: #160.
I am not 50 years old, and I am not sad. Under-caffeinated and prone to disordered thinking, maybe, but not sad. And yet it would be perfectly acceptable if I were.
169.David.My E-mail…jonhamptonlanding@yahoo.com if ya feel you need it.God bless.
160. Shame……….are you new? This board is quite refreshing..have you ever been in a AICN talkback or on the “Blueboard”?
AND I am a sad little 36 year old……I DO have a phaser or two in my top drawer but no pointy ears :-)
David, I agree with Lord Garth….you have friends here! Things may seem black right now, but life is a tapestry of different events and emotions….please, PLEASE don’t do anything drastic until you’ve engaged some of your friends here in a dialogue about what might be bothering you….e-mail Anthony for my personal e-mail as well and I’ll be glad to listen………..hold on to hope of a better tomorrow, if nothing else……..
I hope they have her emulate Jane Wyatt’s speaking style. I’m still pissed that young T’Pau in “Enterprise” didn’t have the Eastern European accent of old T’Pau in “Amok Time.”
Wow… I always thought Spock’s mother was just an over-emotional Vulcan. I couldn’t see her ears under the hair.
Just kidding!
It’s nice that Spock will have a Jewish mother. Maybe she’s the one who taught him the Jewish Vulcan saying “You should live so long and make a nice living.”
So Winona Ryder is now the descendent of Dick Greyson(Robin/Nightwing)…. weird….(there’s a tree out there of Spock’s ancestors…yea..)
Maybe she just looks young from living on Vulcan for years??
Winona Ryder: actress, thief, Spock’s mommy who was a teacher on earth….
Now who’s gonna be Sarek? Shia Labouf?
OK, I checked out a couple Liev Schreiber clips on you tube… and his voice is excellent for Sarek. Especially in the the Painted Veil where he is doing a slight English accent, almost sounds like Mark Lenard doing his regal/noble speech pattern; I just love that voice. I’m sold - sign him up.
Of course, they probably won’t now; they don’t go with anybody we non-FOJJ’s recommend.
Liev Schreiber is a fine actor, but isn’t he a little “heavy” to play Spock’s father? C’mon, we shouldn’t be looking at Sarek and thinking, “man, that guy LOVES his cheeseburgers, don’t he??”
#186. I’m missin’ something. Are you saying he’s “heavy” as in heavy, i.e., overweight, or do you mean it in a figurative sense (& thus the quotations)?
‘Cause he ain’t heavy in the literal sense. Maybe figuratively. But he looks trim enough to me.
And yes, JBS (#185), he was great in the Painted Veil. The voice is killer.
I’ve seen Liev Schreiber on stage. He is INCREDIBLE. I don’t know if he’s suited to play Sarek though. When I think of him, I think of General Chang spinning around in his chair quoting Shakespeare.
#186 Harry, Schreiber is not that heavy. Mark Lenard was not that thin when he was playing Sarek and the Romulan Commander back in the late 60’s; I’d say he had a sturdy build (he was thin when he was much older in the movies and TNG). Spock was skinny, not Sarek.
Oh yeah, Liev Schreiber’s mother is of Ukrainian Jewish heritage, just like Mark Lenard and Leonard Nimoy - so even his heritage is on the money, not that it matters.
Liev Schreiber is a good choice, but the only issue is he is going to be filming the Wolverine movie pretty soon. Not to say that he could not do it just has long has it did not cause issue with the Wolverine movie.
David I know how you feel. Not a day goes by when I don’t say to myself “wtf am I still doing on this shit planet?” Others say life is wonderous and embrace it, I say yeah right.
^
Without going to dark here, just remember that were all here having this “experience”. Watching Star Trek in real-time could be the envy of future generations.
^
Its the timelines that make a lifetime remarkable.
Just keep that in mind.
^
And come on David don’t you want to see this Trek Apocalypse there making.
^
Wynona is a fine choice for Spocks mom. Not that I really want to see that in this film, but since were being lead down the wonderyears path, I say whatever.
^
If the execution on the part of these actors isn’t perfect, this film will not only kill Trek it will Kill Paramount, that is if the writers and actors strike don’t do it first.
^
So Dave you deffinitly want to be around for all the posts that are coming out soon.
I can’t wait to hear these fans say”I thought it could have been better”
Hang in there David.
Steve
183 - I’m seriously offended.
#193, I donno, sounded pretty Catskills NY to me. ;p
I wonder what was the reason of choosing Winona as Spock’s mom. She is definitely a bit young (36 years old) to play his mother unless there is a flashback involved. As for the casting choice, it would be interesting to find out of who will be playing Sarek to compliment Winona.
SULU to SPOCK: Man. your mom’s a milf
#195: Because she was available. All kiddding aside, I think she will be good. But really, she was available. At this late date, don’t have too many options do they?
Journey to Babel was the first episode where Kirk, Mccoy meant Spock’s parents. So Amanda Grayson has to be in a flashback scene.
THE AWARD FOR BEST POSTED COMMENT FOR THIS STORY GOES TO……
#196. Kirk’s Girdle - November 9, 2007
“SULU to SPOCK: Man. your mom’s a milf”
I have a horrible feeling in my stomach. Since this entire movie was announced, I felt as though I was slightly adrift. Now I feel at sea. I love Star Trek, I was born and grew up with the franchise. But for the first time in my life, I feel like a true outsider.
This site has taken on the mantle of many others who have proclaimed to be the focal point of fans, It has taken it on, not through desire or demand, but by carrying the spirit of fans every where. I visit it a dozen times a day.
However, in the past week it has made me examine what Star Trek means to me, and my experience throughout my life that Star Trek has help shape.
The era of Star Trek has entered a time where I feel I have little understanding of what it means, and the people behind it have.
I cannot explain it, but I feel like an outsider for the first time ever while following Star Trek.
#200 “I feel like an outsider for the first time ever while following Star Trek”
Maybe you’re simply in a transitional stage of your emotional and psychological development, where you are objectively detaching yourself from the Trek you grew up on, to then come full circle back to enjoying it even more through a heightened, more mature, viewpoint? If that’s the case, then you will probably return to Star Trek with a new appreciation for the subtleties in subtext and storylines that maybe you didn’t notice in your youth…almost like coming to love jazz music more and more as you get older.
#201
I really understand what you are saying. But in reality, the production of the new Star Trek movie is scaring the the hell out of me.
I’m a fan in my late 20’s, and I certainly can say that the entire franchise has been and experience for me from when I was just 5 years old. I’ve rediscovered my love of it time and again. I become more and more amazed by the fact that while my friends who also grew up on Star Trek have grown distant, I’m still as rabid as ever.
Although your comment on Jazz is very apt. I did grow into Jazz when I got older. But with Star Trek, I’m still the same person, learning to live with the new.
I still suggest that you may be going through a dormant or, shall we say, latent phase where other priorities are beating you over the head right now. For example, being in your late 20’s, it could be possible that you’ve got life issues (such as long term career path) and social pressure making every attempt to compell you into maybe finally putting away any “childish toys” and growing up. That doesn’t mean you’ve abandoned Trek, or that it has become foreign to you, it’s just that, at present, you have “bigger fish” to fry…..I’m just postulating from the vantage point of being 52 years old and having gone through just such an occurence. Food for thought!
200
I have a feeling we’re all going to be shaken up a bit when this thing comes out.
Well, as Bond would say, “I would prefer shaken, not stirred”.
As in shaken to the core of our being that a new cast could blow us away with an amazing movie, as compared to being stirred to action to scream in the theatre on Christmas day while rending our clothing and cursing JJ’s name!!!
CartooCn comment on Ryder casting at: http://www.rokcomics.com/full_player.php?comicid=303124226
Caveat: I didn’t read everyone’s post up to this point. All I gotta say is, whoa! talk about A-list. I still wish Pike had gone to someone of this stature.
Harry & Reptileboy, re #203: That’s very insightful of you Harry. ST was dormant for me for the last 25 years for the reasons Harry touched on, career, family, and I just plain lost interest in it. Then last year I became hooked on it again. Went out and bought the TOS episodes and the first six movies on DVD (I’m still not interested in seeing the last 4 movies), and buying the novels from my local used book store, and visiting this web site regularly - and I’m loving it. It makes me happy. I don’t care if my husband and kids think I’m crazy.
If the movies turns out to be terrible. I will probably end up causing an ‘incident’ in the cinema and hopefully if other fans are with me, we can turn it into a riot and then a national emergency.
Aside from all the casting, the one thing that is making the movie seem most exciting to me is the MASSIVE budget being spent on it. Even if the story sucks, and the acting is terrible. At least there should be some CGI eye candy to enjoy.
Harry, after 20+ years of being a Star Trek fan, I’ve learned to reconcile my fannish love and devotion with my normal everyday life. It also helps that most of friends and family are fans to varying degrees. I just their grand master.
JBS, I have a friend who is just like you. He was a fan as kid, but lost interest over the years. With me talking about the new movie, and having started having drinking sessions as we work our way through the entire saga, one episode at at time. He’s totally back into. And unlike you having to go out and buy the DVD’s and books, he’s just borrowing them off me.
And it’s funny how things have changed. That someone like John Freeman is posting on this site amongst fans. I grew up reading Star Trek Monthly as a teenager. I used to think Mr Freeman had the best job in the world. Still have all my issues, right from issue 1.
Just shows how bloody great this site is.
I’d like to practice the Kirk Manuver on her if you know what i mean ;)
There are several “Kirk maneuvers.” There’s the fight maneuvers which I remember a martial arts magazine years ago refering to as “KIRK” FU. And then there are the moves on the opposite sex. Which you obviously mean. I just wanted to clarify however.
JBS, Reptileboy
I’m just like the two of you……I make no apologies to anyone I know regarding my love of Trek! If they don’t relate to it, or understand, it’s no skin off my patootie! Ain’t Star Trek DA BEST??!!!!
Star Trek is the best. I have liked many other shows over the years, but none has inspred the love and devotion I feel for a silly old tv show like star trek has; truely unique.
The only other show I enjoyed nearly as much, as a teenager, was The Persuaders starring Tony Curtis and Roger Moore. It was only on for one season (which I now own on DVD), but it was great at the time!
Star Trek needs a pregnant woman who gives birth via transporter.
Harry, I have never heard of the Persuaders, but I have always liked Tony Curtis. Did you go to John Freeman’s link at #206? You will probably enjoy it (ya need to click on the the double arrows to the right of Winona’s picture). I may be a straight married woman with kids, but I have the sense of humor of a teenage boy.
JBS, thanks for the heads-up on #206! Being a straight single man I especially enjoyed the pictures of Ms. Ryder in various poses of disrobe! Between her lovely physical attributes, and her proclivity for taking things, I’m sure she’ll have no trouble in portraying the character who “stole” Sarek’s heart!!
Nyuk nyuk……………woo, woo, woo, woo………….
With Ryder they’ve cast a big star
Her looks could bring on pon farr
Her rack is amazing
Her eyes downright blazing
Winona in this film raises the bar!
Spock’s mother, eh? Great, now I really need therapy!!
Hey Reptile Boy #200 I sent you a reply last night on this post but it was censored by the webmaster. I guess because I had negative commnets about trek.
Wonder if this one makes it on.
So maybe Johnny Depp as Sarek?
Harry, you think you need therapy? What about Spock? No wonder he had so many issues while growing.
116. JL - November 9, 2007
“He’d have to stand on a box to look them in the eye.”
hey, #114 - Tom Cruise does it all the time. I rode an elevator with him once and he is a shrimp!
Many actors are short.
Angelique Pettijohn told a story about her audition for the blonde thrall in “Gamesters of Triskelion”: she looked at the character description, went into the room and said “I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m right for this. It describes her as a green-haired amazon. I know you can do the green hair with no problem, but I’m no amazon.”
One of the producers said, “Honey, you haven’t met Shatner. Standing next to him you’ll look like an amazon.” :lol:
Yeah, with Winona Ryder as Spock’s mother, it could really curl your ears…………………wait for it…………………………….or in my case, MY TOES!!!
To #220
I’d rather see him as Kirk. Oops. Guess that’s not going to happen…
About. Freaking. Time!
I’ve always wanted to see Winona Ryder involved in Star Trek in some way (Captain Janeway/7 Of 9/Kira Nerys?) or in her own movie series based on Star Trek (as a Starfleet captain in the 23rd or 24th centuries, or as the civilian freighter captain of the Web-only cartoon Star Trek: Aurora.) But as Spock’s momma? Great news for this ‘Noniphille (fan of Winona-we call her ‘Noni as a term of affection.)
The second thing that struck me about Winona was that Wyat had those crystal blue eyes… contacts I suppose?
The first thing was “Hey! It’s shoplifting girl!” Sorry it’s just the first thing that popped into my mind… :-P
BTW, I think it’s confirmed… that guy in Enterprise will Quantem Leap into the role of Sarek!
If true, this film just lost another finger on the grip of intelligent casting.
LOL! I’m kidding about Bakula…(if you were referring to that) Just joining in on the “who will play Sarek” thing… he he…
BTW, I think Wawkeen Feenix (however you spell it) would be great!
Think of his role in Gladiator, only not sick and twisted.
What, you got a problem with sick and twisted?? :)
Good point! he he…
Well, after seeing Transformers and losing all faith in the script for this movie, this bit of casting makes me lose faith in the casting. I fear that this movie will appeal to new fans, but not to Trekkies. Of dourse, if the script has the same “intelligence” Transformers had, then it will not appeal to any one over the age of 9. Sigh. I was really hoping for something special.
#231 Trekkie33years “I was really hoping for something special”
There once was a man named Orci
Who wrote scripts for mostly the dorky
One day he got Trek
It wasn’t a trainwreck
His royalties fed him ’til he was porky!
227. COMPASSIONATE GOD - November 11, 2007, etc..
“If true, this film just lost another finger on the grip of intelligent casting.”
Let’s all prejudge what’s gonna happen. WE are the experts, whadda they know?
#232 LOL
Funny.
Though to be fair, Orci seems like a nice enogh guy. I mean, at least he has talked to us.
If only I’d never seen Transformers… shudder.
The more I read about this movie, the casting decisons, etc. the more disillusioned I become. It’s destined to become a spectacular crapfest. Spock’s mother is now a Vulcan, Kirk’s dad is younger than Kirk, McCoy is Kirk’s age (instead of being 11 years older), screwing with the Guardian of Forever. Now the Romulans are doing time travel to off Kirk and old Spock meets young Spock…
Just get the Star Wreck crew from Finland to do the damned thing - at least they know what canon is and respect the series. I’m sure they can give us a better quality movie at a fraction of the cost.
Long time fan of Noni Ryder. Even longer time fan of Star Trek. Look forward to it. If only I could be cast as Sarek. :)
i love winoa ryder. i live in kerman, california and it is 2 hours away from paso robles or 4 hrs from los angeles.
winona ryder has a beuty no other actress has!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love you